By Neil Ramos
At A Glance
- Alessandra de Rossi, Ruby Ruiz, and Beverly Salviejo talk about rejection, aging, romance, and self-worth in "Status: Rejected," a film about a 69-year-old woman seeking love and belonging.
Rejection comes in many forms. Sometimes it's a job or opportunity you didn't get. Sometimes it's being made to feel unattractive, being ignored, or realizing that the people closest to you no longer seem to notice you.
For many women, especially those who have reached a certain age, rejection can feel like a constant reminder that they are no longer society's idea of desirable, important, or worth paying attention to. It can make them question whether there is still room for romance, new dreams, and exciting possibilities in their lives.
The stars of “Status: Rejected” know what it feels like to be turned down, underestimated, and made to feel less than they are.
“Rejection is a regular Monday for me,” said Alessandra de Rossi, who plays Anna, a single mother in the film.
“Naku, lalo na rito sa showbiz, it’s something that you have to learn to live with,” said Ruby Ruiz, who portrays 69-year-old widow Virginia “Biring” Divinagracia.
Beverly Salviejo, who plays Biring’s friend Tessie, put it more bluntly: “Lalo na kung pangit ka! Talagang makakarinig ka!”
The three actresses have found their own ways of dealing with rejection.
Alessandra said she does not confront people who reject her. Instead, she tries to win them over.
Ruby has learned to stand her ground.
“I’ve learned to stay strong. Be confident in my own skin and my own capabilities. Yes, masakit, pero I realized na walang mangyayari sa mga pangarap ko kung magpapadala ako,” she said.
Beverly, meanwhile, used to keep quiet whenever people made her feel small. She no longer does.
“Hindi ako palasalita lalo na noong bago pa lang ako, pero ngayon, I voice out na. Nagsasabi ako kapag feeling ko minamaliit ako,” she said.
